DupliGator

thingiverse

Behold: DupliGator! This is probably my best Thingiverse posting yet. I'm very excited to share it with you. This thing works just like a machine at the hardware store that copies keys, like a router duplicator, and also like a lathe duplicator except there's no motorized machinery and it works in 3D. The idea is simple: glue a source object to one geared platform using glue stick or other temporary glue. Then, attach a destination object to the other gear in a removable way. Next, if you're right-handed, hold the gears steady with your left hand and guide the tool with your right hand over the source object, theoretically carving the destination material into the desired shape (approximately). Now, be warned: this is a work in progress and I haven't tested it with wax, clay, or chocolate. If you spend half a day printing this thing and it doesn't work, don't be disappointed. I've already tested it without a destination object and it works great in theory and application. The best method is to drag the toolhead over the work instead of making stabbing or chiseling motions. So if it's untested, why am I so excited? Not everyone is a 3D printing enthusiast with a scanner and 3D software expertise. In fact, there are many people who don't have time or inclination for our hobby. This DupliGator is for them! To make a one-off copy of some object in chocolate for a cake topper, it's the wow factor they need. Also, creators who wish to make lost wax statues can use this thing. The applications go on and on with imagination. Please note that the gears, counterrotating as gears like to do, will cause a mirrored object to be made. It'll take an improvement to the OpenSCAD file (which I plan to do in time) to add a third gear for making non-mirrored objects. Print Settings Printer Brand: Ultimaker Printer: Ultimaker 2 Rafts: Doesn't Matter Supports: No Resolution: 200 Infill: 18% Notes: Please note that there is a nozzle size parameter at the top of the file. The STL files print with a 0.4 mm nozzle. Also, please note that there are wide-ish hinges that require fairly long bridging capability of your printer. Be forewarned that if your printer can't bridge 25 mm then your print of the base may be locked up and either not print or break when you crack the joint. Print two gear.stl files and one base.stl file, put the gears on the base in the obvious locations, and you're good to go! How I Designed This Divine Inspiration We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength, as it says in the Bible. Also, Jesus told us that He is the vine and we are the branches, so with Him we can do great things and without Him we can do nothing. I personally credit the Lord with most of my ideas, and I offer the following concept as evidence: The speed of an idea tells of its source. If I work on something and apply my God-given talents over time, I call it my own idea or work. However, if I get one of those light bulb moments, an epiphany, or sudden insight, then I know it's of divine inspiration simply because the brain doesn't work that fast. The brain is electrochemical in nature and each neuron firing takes a certain amount of time and many many neurons have to fire in succession and repetition to crank out a thought.